In the Swargate bus sexual assault case that shocked Pune and the nation, police have filed an exhaustive 893-page chargesheet against accused Dattatraya Ramdas Gade in court. The chargesheet, submitted after weeks of intensive investigation, details the brutal assault of a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary state transport bus at Pune’s Swargate depot, a crime that has triggered widespread public anger and renewed debates on women’s safety in public spaces.
The incident occurred in the early hours of February 25, 2025, when the victim, a domestic worker, was waiting for her bus to Satara. Gade, a 36-year-old with a history of theft and chain-snatching, allegedly deceived her by claiming her bus was at another platform, then led her to an empty 'Shiv Shahi' AC bus and sexually assaulted her. The crime took place shockingly close just 100 meters from a police station, raising serious questions about security lapses at one of Maharashtra’s busiest transport hubs.
The chargesheet reportedly includes detailed witness statements, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and the victim’s testimony. Police formed multiple teams to track down Gade, who was absconding and had been out on bail since 2019. The case drew immediate condemnation from top state officials, with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and NCP leader Ajit Pawar both demanding the strictest possible punishment for the accused, including the death penalty.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also intervened, demanding urgent action, a fair and time-bound investigation, and comprehensive support for the survivor, including medical and psychological assistance. Four officials were suspended for negligence following an internal inquiry, as public outrage mounted over the failure to ensure safety at the depot.
Authorities assure that the case will be prosecuted under the strictest provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with the NCW and civil society groups vowing to monitor proceedings closely. The 893-page chargesheet stands as a testament to the seriousness with which law enforcement is pursuing justice in this high-profile case, as Pune grapples with the urgent need for improved public safety and accountability.